The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs has highlighted the key role played by Project Masam in alleviating suffering among Yemenis, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said it remains committed to continuing its pioneering efforts to support humanitarian work.
On Monday (24 February), the Masam Landmine Clearance Project – Yemen participated in the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, organised by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) under the patronage of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The event, held on 24 and 25 February, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh Region, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ousama Algosaibi, Project Masam’s Managing Director, along with several other officials.
In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, highlighted the significant aid provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in affected countries. He underlined the popular campaign in which the Saudi people contributed over 700 million riyals to support their Palestinian brothers. Additionally, he pointed to Project Masam, which has successfully removed more than 430,000 mines, explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded ordnance (UXO) since its inception, significantly reducing the direct threats to the lives of the Yemeni people.
Addressing the audience, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud renewed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to support humanitarian work and strengthen humanitarian diplomacy. He noted that, throughout its history, the Kingdom has remained committed to extending a helping hand to countries and peoples in need, providing relief to those affected around the world, without discrimination.
His Highness also expressed his appreciation for the efforts put into organising the forum, emphasising Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting dialogue on humanitarian work and addressing its associated challenges. He commended the tireless efforts of leaders, donors, and humanitarian workers to serve humanity.
Meanwhile, Algosaibi, announced that, from the landmine clearance project’s launch in June 2018 to 21 February 2025, ite demining teams had successfully cleared 482,637 landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive devices (IEDs).
In his statement, Algosaibi explained that the project’s deminers have cleared 321,576 UXO, 8,196 IEDs, 146,134 anti-tank mines, and 6,731 anti-personnel mines. So far, they have cleared 65,428,975 square metres of Yemeni territory that had been contaminated with mines, ordnance, and explosive devices.
During the forum, Project Masam’s pavilion attracted a large number of visitors, interested in learning about the equipment and tools used in mine detection, along with real-life models of mines planted in Yemeni territory.
The stand also featured documentary films showcasing the process undergone to clear Yemeni land of mines, IEDs, and UXO.
Saudi and international Project Masam experts provided detailed explanations to participants at the Riyadh Forum about different demining techniques. Additionally, they presented an introductory book on the project, offering a comprehensive guide to the organisation’s operations and providing accurate statistics of the achievements of its demining teams.
